The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched the Sahel Rating System, an initiative aimed at improving accessibility across Abu Dhabi in partnership with a number of government and private organisations.
The Sahel initiative underscores the DMT’s dedication to creating an inclusive and sustainable society, enhancing quality of life in line with the aspirations of the UAE’s Year of Community. Named after the Arabic word for ease, Sahel seeks to create an inclusive built environment for residents and visitors, including people with various accessibility needs, such as senior citizens, pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and people with temporary, or situational accessibility challenges. It is intended to ensure that Abu Dhabi is welcoming for everyone.
His Excellency Dr Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary at DMT, said: "The Sahel Rating System is a pivotal part of our efforts to enhance navigability and create a more inclusive emirate. By introducing this system, we are reinforcing our commitment to guarantee that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can engage with the spaces around them with ease."
After undergoing a successful one-year pilot phase, the mandatory system will initially be applied to new developments, with plans to extend it retroactively to existing buildings and spaces. These will be assessed and certified based on three categories: Sahel Community Rating, which applies to communities and master-planned developments; Sahel Public Realm Rating, which covers all types of public realms and open spaces; and the Sahel Building Rating, which applies to all kinds of buildings such as commercial, public, and government buildings. Each will then be rated on four levels: Accessible, Adaptable, Inclusive, and Exemplar, helping to define clear standards for barrier-free movement.
Its implementation will occur across the design, construction, and operation stages. During the design stage, compliance will be verified through the DMT’s processes. In the construction stage, an audit process will ensure that the designs are accurately executed, with reports submitted accordingly. Finally, during the operational stage, the functionality of the built assets will be reviewed every five years, with updated certifications issued based on these evaluations.
